Q 2: What is the ruling on
a man who introduces acts or things for which there is no precedent in Islam, and he deems them praiseworthy claiming that he has done nothing related to Bid`ah?
A:
The deeds of this man are to be judged according to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be upon him). Whatever goes in accordance with them is correct and permissible, otherwise it is rejected and should be abandoned. However, you did not mention any of said person's deeds so that we may know whether it is Bid`ah or an act of Sunnah. (Part No. 2; Page No. 470) We advice you to read the book entitled Al-I`tisam by Al-Shatiby, for it has a thorough explanation concerning all that is related to Bid`ah; its kinds, rulings, examples. Also we refer you to the books entitled Al-Sunan wal Mubtad`at, Al-Ibda` fi Madar Al-Ibtida`, Al-Bida` wal Hawadith, Tanbih Al Ghafilin by Ibn Al-Nahas, and other books which differentiate between acts of Bid`ah and that of Sunnah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.